Note: Pet availability is seasonal. State and local regulations may vary. Pricing may vary by store location. PetSmart stores cannot match the price above for this pet. Ask a store associate for details.

Angelicus botias, commonly referred to as polka-dot loaches, are extremely peaceful and live best in a community aquarium with fish of the same disposition. They are communal fish that do best when they are kept in small groups containing 3-6 loaches. Be sure to provide them numerous shelters for greater security. This generally makes them bolder. Like most bottom-dwellers the substrate should consist of a fine-grained or round-edged gravel.

Loaches either lack or have very tiny scales, which means they have almost no protection from toxic materials dissolved inthe aquarium. Avoid adding medications to the aquarium unless they are specifically recommended for "scaleless" fish.

OmnivoresThis means they will eat both plants and tiny, living creatures.

Staple dietChoose a tropical flake or sinking pellet fish food. Feed according to the directions on the packaging.

Specialty foodsVary their diet by including frozen or freezedried bloodworms, tubifex worms and other small worms, mosquito larvae and daphnia. Always remember to thaw frozen foods before feeding.

AquariumMinimum aquarium size for smaller species of loaches is 10 gallons, but species that get over 4" long need an aquarium that's larger. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for every one inch of full-grown fish.

Fish compatibilityLoaches can share their aquarium with other non-aggressive, tropical community fish.

Vet Assured PromiseAll pets purchased at PetSmart are raised under our exclusive Vet Assured program and come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Vet Assured is a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of our pets. The program sets standards for the care of our pets by our live animal partners and store associates and establishes strict standards for the monitoring and prevention of common illnesses found in pets. PetSmart makes a significant investment in the care of our pets and it is apparent in the quality and comfort of the pets in our stores. However, if your pet becomes ill during this initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied with your pet for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Pleasekeep your sales receipt and return the pet to the store where it was purchased if needed.

Angelicus Botia
4.5
5
15
15

Great fish, very lively.
I had one of these years ago and loved it. I got one recently at the store and I fell in love with it again. This is a very lively and curious fish. A healthy specimen should not be skinny. It is not aggressive toward any fish, I have all size of fish in a tropical community tank, loach has been a model citizen.
November 10, 2014

incorect fish, over priced,
At my local pet stores, they often have Yo Yo loaches "incorrectly" labeled as angelicus botias, Yo Yo loaches are very common in the aquarium trade and often sold for less than $5 online or at other stores.
bottom line, if you purchase these fish, be sure that what you are buying is actually an angelicus botia and not a much cheaper yo yo loach.
February 11, 2014

So Hyper!
I love my 3 Botias! They chase each other around and are always hanging around my other fish, angel fish and tetras. At first I was worried because they were not acting at hyper as they did at the store, but give them some time and they will be out and about in no time! Love them!
July 10, 2013

LOVES MY BUBBLER
He sits in my volcano bubbler all day long poking his head out and moving up and down. He is either swimming around eating stuff on the ground or in the bubbler, its hilarious.
March 27, 2013